The following contains spoilers for Lazarus Planet: Assault on Krypton #1, now on sale from DC Comics
Jon Kent's evolution over the course of his time as Superman has been compelling, giving the young hero a fresh take on some of the superhero genre's tired and true elements. This has so far given him a cool nemesis, a compelling love interest -- and now, it might have given him a complication.
Jon Kent spends most of the story "Electric" from Lazarus Planet: Assault on Krypton #1 (by C.S. Pacat, Scott Godlewski, Alex Guimarães, and Andworld Design) dealing with some weird new powers while trying to save lives. But along the way, he meets Ash -- a potentially compelling addition to his supporting cast who could easily become the young Superman's version of Catwoman.
How Superman Met His Catwoman
The crux of "Electric" focuses on Jon Kent's continued attempts to help protect people during the chaos of Lazarus Planet. However, along the way his day is complicated by Ash. A charming and handsome young man who Jon discovers in the middle of a spree of minor thefts, both are bombarded by the supernatural energies of the Lazarus Volcano erupting around the world. The effect has a serious impact on Jon's powers, leaving him weakened and even physically unstable at times. Luckily for Jon, Ash proves to have a softer side that prevails, and he becomes an ally for the duration of the story.
After developing lava powers and the ability to fly, Ash helps save Jon and even ends up heading back out alongside him to help people. Ash proves heroic in his own right, keeping an eye on Superman and stopping plenty of criminals -- all while barely resisting the urge to steal for himself during the chaos. After everything is said and done, Ash explains his powers were temporary and allows himself to be arrested, seemingly having gone through a change of heart thanks to Jon. But this was all a feint, and once Jon leaves, Ash breaks out of prison -- and even keeps Jon's cape as a memento. It's a fun story that quietly fleshes out Jon Kent's supporting cast
How Jon Kent's Life Could be Impacted by Ash
Since coming into his own as Superman, Jon has found himself with a new but familiar supporting cast. Damian Wayne is his best friend, mirroring their fathers' friendship. Jay Nakamura is Jon's Lois Lane, a love interest and intrepid reporter capable of holding their own. Jon's even gotten his own Lex Luthor in the form of Luis Rojas. But Ash could add some more layers to his personal storylines, particularly as a Catwoman stand-in for the young hero. Like Selina Kyle, there's a crafty but ultimately noble side to Ash that could give him and Jon a compelling rapport. Ash's flirty nature and criminal background could force Jon to pick between his interest in him and his role as a superhero.
The addition of Ash to Jon's orbit could also serve as a potential complication in Jon's romance with Jay, possibly setting up a dramatic love triangle. With Jon's identity a secret again, any relationship he has could easily become dangerous -- adding another layer to any encounters Ash has with Superman going forward. Ash could be a great addition to Jon's story, with the potential to become a love interest and bring some classic superhero drama to the young Superman's life.